Electric vehicle

Abstract

To accurately determine whether or not a connector is attached to an inlet.SOLUTION: An ECU executes processing comprising: a step (S100) of determining whether or not a current value of a value showing a state of a lid is a value showing an open state; a step (S102) of determining whether or not a previous value of the value showing the state of the lid is a value showing a closed state, when the current value is the value showing the open state (YES in S100); a step (S104) of executing offset learning processing, when the previous value is the value showing the closed state (YES in S102); and a step (S106) of considering the current value as the value of the previous value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In an electric vehicle having a motor as a drive source, such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, external charging (hereinafter referred to as external charging) using a power source outside the electric vehicle is performed on an in-vehicle power storage device that supplies power to the drive source. This external charging is performed, for example, by attaching (connecting) a connector connected to an external power source to an inlet provided in the electric vehicle. Therefore, it is required to accurately determine whether or not a connector is attached to the inlet.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-126009 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for determining the type of a connector and whether or not the connector is attached to an inlet based on the potential of a signal given via the inlet when the connector is attached to the inlet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When determining whether a connector is attached to the inlet based on the potential of the signal supplied via the inlet as described above, a preset range of possible potentials and a threshold value within the preset range are set. On the other hand, considering compatibility between the vehicle side and the connector side, a certain error such as an error in the resistance of the internal circuit or a detection error on the vehicle side is required to be tolerated. However, if the range of possible potentials due to the tolerated error exceeds the preset range, it may not be possible to set a threshold value for determining whether a connector is attached to the inlet.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electric vehicle that accurately determines whether a connector is attached to an inlet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An electric vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an inlet covered with a lid and having a shape to which a connector of an external device can be attached, a first detection circuit that detects an open / closed state of the lid, a second detection circuit that outputs a voltage indicating whether a connector is attached to the inlet, and a control device that executes an offset learning process for calculating a correction value using a difference between the voltage output by the second detection circuit when no connector is attached to the inlet and a preset voltage. The control device executes the offset learning process using the detection result of the first detection circuit.

[0008] In this way, based on the state of the lid of the charging port, it is possible to surely determine that the charging connector is not fitted to the charging port. As a result, offset learning of the voltage at the time of non-fitting can be performed at an appropriate timing (when the connector is not fitted to the charging port and immediately before the connector is fitted).

[0009] In one embodiment, the control device executes the offset learning process using the detection result when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state.

[0010] In this way, at the moment when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state, the connector is not yet engaged, and since it is highly likely that it is in the state immediately before the connector is engaged, it can be determined that this is a suitable timing for performing offset learning.

[0011] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the control device executes offset learning processing using the detection result of the second detection circuit closest to the time when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state before it changes to the open state.

[0012] In this way, since the possibility that the connector is engaged at the moment when it changes from the closed state to the open state is not zero, the offset learning is performed using the fitting signal voltage when the lid was closed, rather than the fitting signal voltage at the moment when the lid is opened. As a result, the offset can be achieved using the fitting signal voltage before the connector is engaged.

[0013] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the electric vehicle further includes a locking mechanism that can be controlled by the control device to fix the connector to the inlet. The control device executes offset learning processing when the lid is in the closed state and the locking mechanism is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0014] In this way, when the lid is closed, it is almost certain that the charging connector is not engaged, and the fact that the lock of the lid is released means that it is highly likely that the charging lid will be opened and the charging connector will be engaged soon. Therefore, it can be determined that this is a suitable timing for performing offset learning.

[0015] An electric vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an inlet having a shape to which a connector of an external device can be attached, a first detection circuit that detects the speed of the vehicle, a second detection circuit that outputs a voltage indicating whether a connector is attached to the inlet, and a control device that executes an offset learning process for calculating a correction value using a difference between the voltage output by the second detection circuit when the connector is not attached to the inlet and a predetermined voltage. The control device executes the offset learning process when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0016] In this way, since the vehicle speed is constant or higher, that is, the vehicle is moving, it can be ensured that the connector is not fitted. Therefore, it can be determined that it is an appropriate timing to perform offset learning.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle that accurately determines whether a connector is attached to an inlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] Hereinafter, the configuration of an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle) 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 includes, for example, an electric vehicle capable of exchanging electric power with external electric devices such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle. In FIG. 1, for example, a case where the vehicle 2 is parked in a parking space where the power supply facility 10 is installed is assumed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 2 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 1, a vehicle speed sensor 9, an inlet 3, a power conversion device 204, a lid switch 5, a locking mechanism 6, a battery 214, an inverter 216, and a motor generator (MG) 218.

[0022] The motor generator 218 is constituted by, for example, one or a plurality of three-phase AC rotating electric machines. The motor generator 218 exchanges electric power with the inverter 216. For example, when the vehicle 2 is driven, the motor generator 218 applies a rotational force to the drive wheels 222 using the electric power supplied from the inverter 216. The drive wheels 222 rotate by the rotational force applied by the motor generator 218, and the vehicle 2 travels.

[0023] The inverter 216 converts electric power bidirectionally between the AC power of the motor generator 218 and the DC power of the battery 214 in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 1. Note that a converter for step-up / step-down may be provided between the inverter 216 and the battery 214.

[0024] The battery 214 is, for example, a power storage element (power storage device) configured to be rechargeable, and typically, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery having a solid or liquid electrolyte is applied. Alternatively, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the battery 214.

[0025] External charging is performed on the battery 214 using the power supplied from the power supply facility 10. The external charging includes AC charging in which the AC power supplied from the power supply facility 10, which is an external facility of the vehicle 2, is converted into DC power by the power conversion device 204 to charge the battery 214.

[0026] The inlet 3 is provided on the exterior portion of the vehicle 2 together with the lid 4 and has a shape to which the connector 8 described later can be attached. The inlet 3 is configured to enable power transmission with an external facility. The inlet 3 is provided with AC connection portions 202a, 202b and communication portions 202c to 202e.

[0027] When the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3, the AC connection portion (see FIG. 2) of the connector 8 is electrically connected to the AC connection portions 202a, 202b of the inlet 3, and the communication portion of the connector 8 is connected to the communication portions 202c to 202e of the inlet 3.

[0028] The power conversion device 204 performs power conversion between the battery 214 and the inlet 3 in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 1.

[0029] The lid switch 5 outputs a signal indicating an open state to the ECU 1 when the lid is opened, stops outputting a signal indicating an open state when the lid is closed, or outputs a signal indicating a closed state to the ECU 1. The vehicle speed sensor 9 detects the speed of the vehicle 2 and outputs a signal indicating the detected speed of the vehicle 2 to the ECU 1.

[0030] The locking mechanism 6 uses an actuator (not shown) or the like to restrict the removal and attachment of the connector 8 to the inlet 3 (locking state), or to release the restriction on the attachment and removal of the connector 8 (unlocking state). The locking mechanism 6 switches between the locking state and the unlocking state according to a control signal from the ECU 1. The locking mechanism 6 is switched to the unlocking state, for example, when the vehicle 2 is in a stopped state, and is switched to the locking state when the vehicle 2 is in a running state or when the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3. The ECU 1 stores information about the state of the actuator (information such as a value indicating whether the locking mechanism 6 is in the locked state or the unlocked state) in the memory.

[0031] The ECU 1 incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 and a memory (including, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.) 102, and controls each device (such as the locking mechanism 6, etc.) so that the vehicle 2 reaches a desired state based on information such as maps and programs stored in the memory 102 and information from various sensors (such as the vehicle speed sensor 9 and the lid switch 5). Note that various controls performed by the ECU 1 are not limited to software processing, and it is also possible to construct dedicated hardware (electronic circuits) for processing. The history of information acquired from various sensors is stored in a storage device such as a memory.

[0032] Furthermore, when the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3, the ECU 1 executes a communication process for receiving predetermined information from the device on the connector side (the power supply facility 10). The predetermined information includes, for example, information about the power that can be exchanged between the power supply facility 10 and the battery 214 (connector connection signal PISW, etc., which will be described later).

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, taking the case where the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3 as an example, the circuit configurations in the power supply facility 10 and the vehicle 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration in the power supply facility 10 and the vehicle 2.

[0034] The power supply facility 10 includes power supply relays K1, K2, a power supply control device 10a, and an oscillation circuit 10b. When the power supply relays K1, K2 are in the open state, the power supply path is interrupted. Also, when the power supply relays K1, K2 are in the closed state, power can be supplied from an AC power supply (not shown) of the power supply facility 10 to the vehicle 2 via the connector 8 and the inlet 3.

[0035] The oscillation circuit 10b outputs a pilot signal CPLT to the ECU1 via the connector 8 and the inlet 3. The pilot signal CPLT has its potential manipulated by the ECU1 and is used as a signal for remotely operating the power supply relays K1, K2 from the ECU1.

[0036] The power supply control device 10a controls the power supply relays K1, K2 based on the potential of the pilot signal CPLT. Also, the pilot signal CPLT is used as a signal for notifying the rated current during AC charging from the oscillation circuit 10b to the ECU1.

[0037] The power supply control device 10a includes a CPU and a memory, etc. (both not shown). The power supply control device 10a detects the potential of the pilot signal CPLT output by the oscillation circuit 10b and controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 10b based on the detected potential of the pilot signal CPLT.

[0038] When the connector 8 is not connected to the inlet 3, the power supply control device 10a controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 10b so that the battery is at V0 (for example, +12V) and a non-oscillating pilot signal CPLT is output.

[0039] When a connector 8 is connected to an inlet 3, the power supply control device 10a controls the operation of an oscillation circuit 10b so that a pilot signal CPLT oscillating at a specified frequency and duty cycle is output.

[0040] When the upper limit value of the potential of the pilot signal CPLT drops to V2 (<V1), the power supply control device 10a controls the power supply relays K1 and K2 to be in a closed state. Thereby, the power from the AC power supply is supplied to the inlet 3 via the connector 8. The upper limit value of the potential of the pilot signal CPLT drops to V2 when the switch S2 becomes conductive.

[0041] The connector 8 includes resistors R4, RC, and a switch S3. One end of the switch S3 is connected to a ground wire L3. The other end of the switch S3 is connected to one end of the resistor RC. The resistor R4 is connected in parallel with the switch S3. The other end of the resistor RC is connected to a signal line L2. The signal line L2 is electrically connected to the communication unit 202d when the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3.

[0042] The switch S3 is interlocked with a push button (not shown) provided on the connector 8. When the push button is not pressed, the switch S3 is in a closed state. When the push button is pressed, the switch S3 is in an open state.

[0043] One end of a resistor R5 is connected to the communication unit 202d, and the other end of the resistor R5 is connected to a power supply Vsmp. The ECU1 is configured to be able to acquire the potential between the resistor R5 and the communication unit 202d. A connection detection circuit for detecting the connection state between the connector 8 and the inlet 3 is configured by the resistors RC, R4, R5, the switch S3, and the power supply Vsmp.

[0044] When the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3, a signal of the potential (voltage) V3 determined by the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and the resistance value of the resistor R5 is generated on the signal line L2 as the connector connection signal PISW (hereinafter also simply referred to as "PISW"). When the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3 and the push button is in the non-operated state, a signal of the potential (voltage) V4 determined by the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and the resistors R5 and RC is generated on the signal line L2 as PISW. When the push button is operated with the connector 8 attached to the inlet 3, a signal of the potential (voltage) V5 determined by the voltage of the power supply Vsmp and the resistors R4, R5, and RC is generated on the signal line L2 as PISW.

[0045] Therefore, the ECU1 can detect the connection state between the connector 8 and the inlet 3 by acquiring the potential (voltage) of the PISW using a voltage sensor or the like.

[0046] When the connector 8 is not attached to the inlet 3, the potential of the PISW becomes V3, and when the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3, the potential of the PISW becomes V4 or V5 according to the operation state of the push button.

[0047] That is, the ECU1 can determine whether the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3 based on whether the potential of the PISW is V3. However, a certain range centered on each of the reference potentials V3, V4, and V5 is set to determine whether the potential of the PISW is any of V3 to V5, and it is determined whether the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3 based on whether the potential is within any of the ranges.

[0048] In this case, a certain range is set in consideration of, for example, the error in the resistance values of various resistors (such as resistor R4 and resistor RC) provided in the connector 8, the error in the resistance value of the resistor (such as resistor R5) provided on both sides of the vehicle 2, the detection error on both sides of the vehicle 2, and the like. If the allowable ranges of those errors are set wide in an attempt to ensure compatibility in the market (that is, to enable determination of whether or not some connectors used in the market are attached), the range of the potential for determining the potential V3 will be set wide, and attachment determination may become difficult, for example, when it extends to the ranges for determining the potentials V4 and V5.

[0049] For example, assume a case where the range of the potential for determining the potential V3 is set to allow an error of ±5% from the reference potential as upper and lower limits according to a standard or the like for ensuring compatibility. At this time, if the sum of the resistance value error and the detection error exceeds ±5%, it may not be possible to accurately determine the state where the connector is not attached. This is the same when determining the potentials V4 and V5.

[0050] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the connector 8 is not attached to the inlet 3, the ECU 1 executes offset learning processing for calculating a correction value using the difference between the voltage output from the connection detection circuit (the potential of PISW) and a predetermined reference voltage (the voltage corresponding to the potential V3) serving as a reference. More specifically, the ECU 1 executes offset learning processing when the value indicated by the lid switch 5 changes from the value indicating the closed state of the lid 4 to the value indicating the open state.

[0051] By doing so, since the value indicated by PISW can be accurately obtained by executing the offset learning processing, the sum of the resistance value error and the detection error can be kept within the range of the potential for determining the potential V3 described above. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the connector 8 is attached to the inlet 3.

[0052] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the processing executed by the ECU 1 of the vehicle 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the ECU 1.

[0053] In step 100 (hereinafter, steps are described as S), the ECU 1 determines whether the current value of the voltage value output by the lid switch 5 (hereinafter, referred to as the current value of the lid switch 5) indicates an open state. The lid switch 5 outputs, for example, a voltage value indicating an on state when the lid 4 is in the open state, outputs a voltage value indicating an off state when the lid 4 is in the closed state, or stops outputting the voltage value. If it is determined that the current value indicates an open state (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0054] In S102, the ECU 1 determines whether the previous value of the voltage value output by the lid switch 5 (hereinafter, referred to as the previous value of the lid switch 5) indicates a closed state. The ECU 1 acquires the previous value from the memory and determines whether the acquired previous value indicates a closed state. If it is determined that the previous value indicates a closed state (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0055] In S104, the ECU 1 executes offset learning processing. The ECU 1 detects the voltage of the PISW and calculates the difference between the detected voltage and the reference voltage as a correction value (learning value) α. Then the process proceeds to S106.

[0056] In S106, the ECU 1 sets the current value of the lid switch 5 as the previous value. Then the process ends. Note that if it is determined that the current value does not indicate an open state (NO in S100) or if it is determined that the previous value does not indicate a closed state (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S106.

[0057] An example of the operation of the ECU1 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described. Inside the box in Fig. 3, a timing chart is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing various voltages. LN1 in Fig. 3 shows the change in the voltage of PISW. LN2 in Fig. 3 shows the change in the voltage output by the lid switch 5.

[0058] When the connector 8 is not attached, the PISW has a voltage of V(0) as shown by LN1 in Fig. 3. Assume that the voltage V(0) is lower than the reference voltage (potential V3) due to resistance value errors, detection errors, etc. When the operation of opening the lid 4 is not performed, the lid 4 is in the closed state. When the closed state of the lid 4 is maintained (NO at S100), the current value and the previous value of the lid switch 5 are in the same state (S106).

[0059] On the other hand, at time T(0), when the user performs an operation to open the lid 4 to attach the connector 8 to the inlet 3 and the lid 4 is opened, the voltage value of the lid switch 5 changes to a value indicating the open state (YES at S100). At this time, since the previous value indicates the closed state (YES at S102), the offset learning process is executed (S104). When the offset learning process is executed, a correction value α is calculated from the difference between the detected voltage of the PISW at time T(0) and the reference voltage. Then, the current value of the voltage value output by the lid switch 5 is set as the previous value (S106). After that, the ECU1 obtains the value obtained by adding the correction value α to the detected voltage as the PISW. As a result, as shown by LN1 in Fig. 3, the PISW obtained by the ECU1 matches the reference voltage.

[0060] As described above, according to the electric vehicle according to the present embodiment, since the value indicated by the PISW can be accurately obtained by executing the offset learning process, the sum of the resistance value error and the detection error can be kept within the range of the potential for determining the above-mentioned potential V3. Therefore, an electric vehicle that can accurately determine whether a connector is attached to the inlet can be provided.

[0061] The following describes a modification example. In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that offset learning is executed using the current value of the PISW detected when the lid 4 changes from the open state to the closed state. However, for example, offset learning may be executed using the previous value of the PISW.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the ECU 1 in the modification example. Note that the processes of S100, S102, and S106 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are the same as those of S100, S102, and S106 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, except as described below. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0063] When it is determined that the previous value of the lid switch 5 indicates a closed state (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S200.

[0064] In S200, the ECU 1 performs offset learning. More specifically, for example, the ECU 1 acquires the previous value of the detected value of the PISW in a state where the connector 8 is not attached, and calculates the difference from the reference voltage (potential V3) corresponding to the state where it is not attached. The ECU 1 calculates a correction value using the calculated difference. The ECU 1 calculates the correction value so that the sum of the previous value and the correction value becomes the reference voltage. The ECU 1 calculates the value obtained by subtracting the previous value from the reference voltage as the correction value (learning value). Further, the ECU 1 adds the correction value to the detected value of the voltage of the PISW to obtain the current value of the PISW. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S106. Also, after the process of S106, the process proceeds to S202.

[0065] In S202, the ECU 1 sets the current value of the PISW as the previous value of the PISW. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0066] An example of the operation of the ECU1 in a modification based on the flowchart as described above will be explained. Inside the callout in FIG. 4, a timing chart is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing various voltages. LN3 in FIG. 4 shows the change in the current value of PISW. LN4 in FIG. 6 shows the change in the previous value of PISW. LN5 in FIG. 6 shows the change in the state (open / closed state of the lid) of the lid switch 5.

[0067] When the connector 8 is not attached, as shown in LN3 and LN4 of FIG. 6, the voltage becomes V(0). When the operation of opening the lid 4 is not performed, the lid 4 is in the closed state. When the closed state of the lid 4 is maintained (NO at S100), the current value and the previous value of the lid switch 5 become the same value (S106), and the current value and the previous value of PISW become the same value (S202).

[0068] On the other hand, at time T(1), when the user performs an operation to open the lid 4 and the lid 4 is opened, the voltage value of the lid switch 5 changes to a value indicating the open state (YES at S100). At this time, since the previous value indicates the closed state (YES at S102), the offset learning process is executed (S200). When the offset learning process is executed, the correction value β is calculated from the difference between the previous value of PISW at time T(1) and the reference voltage (potential V3). Then, the current value of the lid switch 5 is set as the previous value (S106). After that, the ECU1 acquires, as the current value of PISW, a value obtained by adding the correction value β to the detected value of PISW. As a result, as shown in LN3 of FIG. 6, at time T(1), the potential of PISW changes to the corrected value. And since the current value of PISW is set as the previous value (S202), as shown in LN4 of FIG. 6, at time T(2), the previous value for the next calculation changes to the corrected value (reference voltage).

[0069] In this way, even when the current value of PISW changes immediately from the potential in the state where the connector 8 is not connected, such as when the connector 8 is connected immediately after the lid 4 is opened, it is possible to accurately determine whether the connector 8 is connected or not.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that it is determined whether to execute the offset learning process using the open / closed state of the lid 4. However, for example, in addition to the open / closed state of the lid 4, it may be determined whether to execute the offset learning process using the state of the lock mechanism 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the ECU 1 in a modified example.

[0071] In S300, the ECU 1 determines whether the current value of the value indicating the state of the lock mechanism 6 (hereinafter referred to as the current value of the lock mechanism 6) is a value indicating the unlocked state. If it is determined that the current value of the lock mechanism 6 is a value indicating the unlocked state (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0072] In S302, the ECU 1 determines whether the current value of the lock mechanism 6 is a value indicating the locked state. If it is determined that the current value of the lock mechanism 6 is a value indicating the locked state (YES in S302), the process proceeds to S304.

[0073] In S304, the ECU 1 determines whether the current value of the lid switch 5 is a value indicating the closed state. It is determined whether the current value of the lid switch 5 is a value indicating the closed state. If it is determined that the current value of the lid switch 5 is a value indicating the closed state (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306.

[0074] In S306, the ECU 1 executes the offset learning process. Note that the offset learning process is the same as the process of S106 in FIG. 3. After that, the process proceeds to S308.

[0075] In S308, the ECU 1 sets the current value of the lock mechanism 6 as the previous value. After that, the process ends. If it is determined that the current value of the lock mechanism 6 is not a value indicating the unlocked state (NO in S300), or if it is determined that the previous value of the lock mechanism 6 is not a value indicating the locked state (NO in S302), or if it is determined that the current value of the lid switch 5 is not a value indicating the open state (NO in S304), the process proceeds to S308.

[0076] Another example of the operation of the ECU1 in a modified example based on the flowchart as described above will be described. Inside the callout of FIG. 5, a timing chart is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing various voltages. LN6 in FIG. 5 indicates the change in PISW. LN7 in FIG. 5 indicates the change in the state of the lock mechanism 6. LN8 in FIG. 5 indicates the change in the state of the lid switch 5 (the open / closed state of the lid 4).

[0077] When the connector 8 is not attached, as shown by LN6 in FIG. 5, the voltage becomes V(0). When the operation of opening the lid 4 is not performed, the closed state of the lid 4 is maintained (NO in S300), and since the lock mechanism 6 is also in the locked state (NO in S300), the current value of the lock mechanism 6 becomes the same value as the previous value (S308).

[0078] On the other hand, at time T(3), the lock mechanism 6 is switched to the unlocked state, the current value of the lock mechanism 6 becomes a value indicating the unlocked state (YES in S300), and the previous value becomes a value indicating the locked state (YES in S302). Since the open / closed state of the lid 4 becomes the closed state (YES in S304), the offset learning process is executed (S306). When the offset learning process is executed, the correction value α is calculated from the difference between the detected value of PISW and the reference voltage at time T(3). After that, when the ECU1 acquires the value of PISW, it acquires, as the current value of PISW, the value obtained by adding the correction value α to the detected value of PISW. As a result, as shown by LN6 in FIG. 5, the value of PISW acquired by the ECU1 matches the reference voltage. After that, the current value of the lock mechanism 6 is set as the previous value (S308). At time T(4), when the lid 4 becomes open, as shown by LN8 in FIG. 5, the value indicating the open / closed state of the lid switch 5 changes to a value indicating the open state.

[0079] By doing so, when the lock mechanism 6 changes from the locked state to the unlocked state, since the connector 8 is not fitted to the inlet 3, the value of PISW can be accurately acquired by executing the offset learning process.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that whether or not to execute the offset learning process is determined using the open / closed state of the lid 4. However, for example, the open / closed state of the lid 4 may be predicted using the speed of the vehicle 2, and whether or not to execute the offset learning process may be determined. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining still another example of the operation of the ECU 1 in a modified example.

[0081] At S400, the ECU 1 determines whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a threshold value Va. The threshold value Va is, for example, a value for determining whether or not the vehicle 2 is running, and is a predetermined value. The threshold value Va may be the lower limit value of the speed range in which it can be determined with high accuracy that the vehicle 2 is running in order to prevent misjudgment. If it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the threshold value Va (YES at S400), the process proceeds to S402.

[0082] At S400, the ECU 1 executes the offset learning process. The offset learning process is the same as the method described in the process of S106 in FIG. 3 in the above-described embodiment. Then the process ends. Note that if it is determined that the vehicle speed is lower than the threshold value (NO at S400), this process ends.

[0083] Still another example of the operation of the ECU 1 in a modified example based on the flowchart as described above will be described. In the balloon of FIG. 6, a timing chart with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage and vehicle speed is shown. LN9 in FIG. 6 indicates the change in PISW. LN10 in FIG. 6 indicates the change in vehicle speed. When the connector 8 is not attached, as shown in LN9 of FIG. 6, the voltage becomes V(0). When the operation of opening the lid 4 is not performed, the closed state of the lid 4 is maintained. When the vehicle speed is lower than the threshold value Va (NO at S400), the offset learning process is not executed.

[0084] On one hand, as the vehicle speed increases and becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value Va at time T(5) (YES at S400), offset learning processing is executed (S402). When the offset learning processing is executed, a correction value α is calculated from the difference between the detected value of the PISW at time T(5) and the reference voltage. Thereafter, when the ECU1 acquires the value of the PISW, it acquires, as the current value of the PISW, the value obtained by adding the correction value α to the detected value of the PISW. As a result, as shown in LN9 of FIG. 6, the value of the PISW acquired by the ECU1 will match the reference voltage.

[0085] By doing so, since the offset learning processing is executed in a state where the connector 8 with a vehicle speed equal to or higher than the threshold value Va is not attached, the value of the PISW can be acquired with high accuracy.

[0086] Note that all or part of the above-described modification examples may be appropriately combined and implemented. The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 ECU, 2 Vehicle, 3 Inlet, 4 Lid, 5 Lid Switch, 6 Lock Mechanism, 8 Connector, 9 Vehicle Speed Sensor, 10 Power Supply Facility, 10a Power Supply Control Device, 10b Oscillation Circuit, 102 Memory, 202a, 202b Connection Port, 202c, 202d, 202e Communication Unit, 204 Power Conversion Device, 214 Battery, 216 Inverter, 218 Motor Generator, 222 Driving Wheel.

Claims

1. an inlet covered with a lid and having a shape to which a connector of an external device can be attached; a first detection circuit for detecting an open / closed state of the lid; a second detection circuit that outputs a voltage indicating whether the connector is attached to the inlet; a control device that executes an offset learning process to calculate a correction value using a difference between a voltage output by the second detection circuit and a predetermined voltage when the connector is not attached to the inlet, The control device executes the offset learning process using a detection result of the first detection circuit.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device executes the offset learning process using the detection result when the lid changes from a closed state to an open state.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein when the lid changes from the closed state to the open state, the control device executes the offset learning process using a detection result of the second detection circuit immediately before the lid changes to the open state.

4. The electric vehicle further includes a lock mechanism controlled by the control device to fix the connector to the inlet, The electric vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device executes the offset learning process when the lid is in a closed state and the lock mechanism is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

5. an inlet having a shape to which a connector of an external device can be attached; a first detection circuit for detecting a speed of a vehicle; a second detection circuit that outputs a voltage indicating whether the connector is attached to the inlet; a control device that executes an offset learning process to calculate a correction value using a difference between a voltage output by the second detection circuit and a predetermined voltage when the connector is not attached to the inlet, The control device executes the offset learning process when it is determined that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

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